Headliners among UFC 132 fighters possibly sidelined until late December

“UFC 132: Cruz vs. Faber II” delivered a solid dose of entertainment over Fourth of July Weekend but, as is often the case, a number of courageous athletes walked away from the event with a proverbial limp after sustaining damage in the Octagon. Among the card’s casualties were six fighters who will be out until the end of the year without undergoing further testing and receiving a doctor’s clearance.

According to an official list of UFC 132 medical suspensions provided by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, headliners Urijah Faber and Dominick Cruz will both require x-rays after enduring hand injuries with “The California Kid” also having hurt his chest/shoulder. Neither bantamweight will be allowed to compete again until December 30 without a physician’s approval, though in the case of Faber his mandated vacation will last until at least mid-August regardless due to the additional issues.

Also in the December group are Dong Hyun Kim whose orbital bone was fractured by Carlos Condit in their bout, as was also the case in relation to Shane Roller and his match-up with Melvin Guillard. Additionally, Anthony Njokuani must have his left leg checked out for a “contusion” if hoping to fight again before Christmas, while Brian Bowles’ is in the same boat due to a troublesome paw requiring x-rays.

Here is a complete list of UFC 132 medical suspensions:

Donald Walker – Suspended until 8/2/11 with no contact until 7/24/11 (right eyebrow laceraction)Andre Winner – Suepnded until 8/2/11 with no contact until 7/24/11 (facial bruising)Anthony Njokuani – Must have contusion on left lower leg cleared by doctor or no contest until 12/30/11, also has chipped right lower toothBrad Tavares – Suspended until 8/2/11 with no contact until 7/24/11 (left eyebrow laceration)Brian Bowles – Must have right hand x-rayed and needs clearance by orthopedist or no contest until 12/30/11, minimum suspension until 8/2/11 with no contact until 7/24/11George Sotiropoulos – Suspended until 9/1/11 with no contact until 8/17/11Shane Roller – Must have right orbital facture cleared by specialist or no contest until 12/30/11, minimum suspension until 9/1/11 with no contact until 8/17/11Melvin Guillard – Suspended until 7/24/11 with no contact until 7/17/11 (cut below right eye)Dong Hyun Kim – Must have right orbital fracture cleared by a specialist or no contest until 12/30/11, minimum suspension until 9/1/11 with no contact until 8/17/11Ryan Bader – Suspended until 7/24/11 with no contact until 7/17/11 (precautionary reasons)Dennis Siver – Suspended until 8/17/11 with no contact until 8/2/11 (forehead laceractions)Wanderlei Silva – Suspended until 9/1/11 with no contact until 8/17/11 (precautionary reasons)Urijah Faber – Must have right hand/wrist, right shoulder, and chest x-rayed and cleared by orthopedist or no contest until 12/30/11, minimum suspension until 8/17/11 with no contact until 8/2/11Dominick Cruz – Must have right hand x-rayed and cleared by orthopedist or no contest until 12/30/11

Anthony Njokuani – Must have contusion on left lower leg cleared by doctor or no contest until 12/30/11, also has chipped right lower tooth

He has to get a doctor’s clearance for a bruise or he can’t fight till 2012??? That’s the same suspension they gave both Roller and Kim and both of them have broken faces. Seems a bit much to me.

Cruz vs. Faber III … Fuck it, why not.

Cruz has already said he wouldn’t turn down a rematch with Faber. He also said he’d like to fight Aldo, which might be a pretty terrible decision on his part. The way he ducks down and leans forward when he throws his hands could leave him open to those devastating knees Aldo likes to throw off his back foot.